Used car with 4×4 drive - how to buy? What cars for 15, 30, 45 thousand. złoty?

The 4×4 drive is associated mainly with SUVs or off-road vehicles. But this type of drive is also found in many conventional cars. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these models? What to consider when buying them?

When talking about the drive on both axles, they usually talk about off-road driving. In addition, this type of drive was invented. The task of such a mechanism is to improve traction and the so-called off-road courage, i.e. ability to overcome obstacles.

The 4x4 drive performs similar functions in a conventional passenger car or SUV. But in this case, we are not talking about better cross-country ability, but about reducing the possibility of skidding on slippery or loose surfaces, i.e. also about improving road grip.

See also: The best economical used cars under 30 thousand. zloty. Photos and announcements

In the case of conventional 4×4 passenger cars, such a mechanism basically has only one task - to reduce the possibility of skidding.

Disadvantages of 4x4 discs

In fact, the advantages of 4x4 vehicles (of all types) have already been discussed above. Depending on the type of vehicle, functionality (SUV) or spacious interior (most SUVs) can also be added. So, let's dwell on the shortcomings of 4 × 4 cars.

Maintainability is an issue for almost all of these vehicles. The transmission in such cars is more complicated than in cars with two-wheel drive.

SUVs with an additional transfer case (often of complex design) stand out in this regard. This means that maintenance of such vehicles is not possible in the first, better workshop. A disadvantage of the 4×4 vehicle is also the higher maintenance costs of the drive systems.

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Finally, fuel consumption is an important factor. While passenger cars with all-wheel drive have comparable fuel consumption to those with two-wheel drive, SUVs and SUVs can have high fuel consumption.

This is influenced by both the drive itself and the dimensions of such cars, as well as the low aerodynamic body and wide tires.

Checking the condition of the car

In the case of used 4×4 vehicles, condition assessment is a nuisance to potential buyers. Because, contrary to appearances, it is not so easy to check the drive system.

This applies, for example, to 4×4 passenger cars. For these vehicles, the second drive is usually included. If the transmission is not very worn (which is expressed, for example, in the noise of the gearbox), then only a mechanic can find minor faults.

It's the same with SUVs.

“In fact, the technical condition of an off-road vehicle only becomes apparent when it is in use,” says Tomasz Kavalko from the 4 × 4 Slupsk.pl Club. - But there are some points that allow you to conduct a primary check. Inspect the engine and transmission for leaks, such as the gearbox, front and rear axles, and gearbox. It is best to do this on a lift or on a channel. Then we can even see traces of dampness caused by leaks. By the way, let's check the condition of the chassis and suspension, as well as whether there are any backlashes on the crosses of the cardan shaft.

See also Buying these cars, you lose the least - a high residual value. 

Tomasz Kavalko also recommends testing a car with axle locks. To test if they work, you need to attach the car to a fixed point (tree, concrete pole, hook in the wall), activate the locks and gently try to move. If the wheels turn, the locks work.

A 4 × 4 car offers - from 15 thousand. zloty 

Volkswagen Passat Variant B5 1.9 TDI 4Motion 2001 

Volkswagen Passat B5 is the fifth generation of this model. The car was produced in 1996-2005. However, since 1996 the 4Motion version, that is, 4 × 4, has joined. Most of the announcements are restyled versions that were carried out in 2000. The 4×4 drive was combined with the following engines: petrol 2.8 V6 193 hp, W8 4.0 275 hp. and turbodiesels - 1.9 TDI 130 hp, 2.5 V6 160 and 180 hp.

Passat B5 with 4Motion drive is available in sedan and station wagon body styles. Its advantage, in addition to the 4×4 drive, is also a wide range of equipment. Used cars are equipped with air conditioning, at least two airbags and an ESP system. Many vehicles are also equipped with heated seats and leather upholstery.

Toyota RAV4 2.0 D-4D 2002

Toyota RAV4 is one of the commercial hits of the Japanese brand. The car has been produced for 20 years and is one of the first in the SUV segment. Production of the second generation RAV4 began in 2000. Like the previous version, it was also produced on the Corolla platform.

The engine range consisted of 1.8 (125 hp) and 2.0 (150 hp) petrol units, as well as a 2-liter turbodiesel (115 hp). In the case of a diesel, some users complain that the power is slightly underestimated. As for equipment, everything is different in the secondary market. The second-generation RAV4 hasn't been very lavishly equipped since launch. The situation has changed slightly since 2003, ie. from copies to facelift.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.1 TD 2000

The SUV with an admixture of a limousine has been produced since 1993. The second generation appeared in 1999. The Americans tried to provide a pleasant interior finish and equipment, but they did not forget about what the Jeep brand is famous for, i.e. good off-road qualities.

The Grand Cherokee has a harmonious transmission under the chassis, which even in the least advanced version has an efficient gearbox. Thanks to this, the car can dig out even from significant oppression.

On the road, there is a lateral swaying of the body, which is associated with an off-road suspension. Engines: turbodiesels - 2.7 CDRi (163 hp), 3.1 TD (140 hp); petrol - 4.0 (190km), 4.7 V8 (220km, 235km or 258km). All of them are known for their fuel consumption. The best choice is petrol engines and gas installation. Turbodiesels installed on jeeps are essentially emergency.

A 4 × 4 car offers for 30 thousand. zloty

BMW E91 330 3.0xd (4 × 4) Touring 2005 г.

The BMW E90 is the fifth generation of the 3 Series models produced by BMW in 2004-2012. Compared to the BMW E46, the car is 5 cm longer and 8 cm wider. The increase in dimensions did not lead to a significant increase in weight.

From the very beginning, the engine range was rich - it consisted of 320i (150 hp), 325i (218 hp) and 330i (258 hp) gasoline engines, as well as 320d diesels (163 hp) and 330d (231 hp, later 245 hp).

In late 2005, a station wagon (E91) was offered, which offered (as an option) XDrive all-wheel drive. The advantage of this 4×4 vehicle is the rich equipment and, of course, very good traction. The luggage compartment does not impress with its capacity - it has 460 liters.

Kia Sportage 2.0 CDRi 2005

Kia Sportage II debuted in 2004. Although it was already an SUV (the first generation was more of an SUV), the style still referred to an off-road car.

There were three petrol engines to choose from: 2.0 114 hp, 2.0 142 hp, and in the American version also 2.7 V6 175 hp.

In the European market, turbodiesels were more popular: 2.0 CRDi 113 hp. and 2.0 CRDi 140 hp, which were increased to 2009 hp in 150. The weakest turbodiesel has a good reputation. This engine has sufficient dynamics and, unlike its more powerful counterparts, is not equipped with a DPF particulate filter, which increases the cost of car operation.

The 4×4 drive turns on automatically. If necessary, the driver can activate the differential lock. Good amenities.

Jeep Cherokee 2.5 CRD 2002

A car with a tradition dating back to the 70s. However, we are interested in the second generation, produced in 2002-2007. The advantage of this model is very good off-road behavior, which is due to the same drive system as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, unlike its older brother, Cherokee is much more agile.

However, on the road, you can feel that the car has an off-road suspension, which causes the body to sway on bad roads. Under the hood placed two gasoline cars. The most common is the 6-liter V3.7, and there is also a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Since both of these engines are economical, it is better to look for a 2.5 or 2.8 turbodiesel version.

There are also many models in the secondary market in the American version, which is called Liberty.

A 4 × 4 car offers for 45 thousand. zloty

Skoda Octavia Scout 2.0 T 2007

The Skoda Octavia Scout is a five-seat station wagon with all-wheel drive that differs from the standard 4×4 version in slightly larger dimensions, higher ground clearance, off-road bumpers and sills. It is available with two engines: petrol 1.8 TSI 160 hp. (replaced 2.0 FSI 150 hp) and diesel 2.0 TDI CR 140 hp. with particulate filter. Both are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Torque is sent to the wheels via a Haldex multi-plate clutch that automatically transfers power to the rear axle when traction would normally degrade to the front axle. The undeniable car Octavia Scout - roomy trunk (605 liters).

2.4 Chevrolet Captiva 2007 (Gas)

The Captiva was Chevrolet's first SUV in the European market and the brand's first diesel vehicle in Europe. The car debuted in March 2006. Since Chevrolet is owned by General Motors, it shares design decisions with other brands of this company. Captiva's sister model is the Opel Antara.

Captiva can be equipped with a 2,4-liter gasoline engine with 167 hp. or a 2,2-liter turbodiesel in two power options: 163 hp or 184 hp The drive can be transmitted through an automatic or manual transmission.

Toyota Land Cruiser 3.0 4D 2005

An off-road limousine that is very popular with business people. In the price range of interest to us is the penultimate version of this car, produced in 2002-2009.

The Land Cruiser is available in three body styles: three-door, short five-door, five-seater and long five-door seven-seater. Even in the first variety, there is enough space inside. In addition, there is a rich equipment, typical for all versions.

The car has two main engines: a V6 3.0 turbodiesel or a V6 4.0 petrol engine.

Wojciech Frölichowski

Photo by Wojciech Frölichowski, producers